Attractions of Paros

The Paros Environmental and Cultural Park is situated on the Agios Ioannis Detis peninsula, behind Monastiri Beach, in an area of approximately 80 hectares of remarkable rock formations, caves, hidden coves and seashores with crystalline waters in an authentic Cycladic scenery. The Park's primary goal and aim is to serve as a showcase for social service, providing a unique viewpoint on cultural and sustainable tourism in the Aegean Islands and Greece.

The small Venetian Castle that is found in the old port of Naoussa was originally constructed in the 15th century and served as a watchtower. Today, only part of this fortress survives and constitutes the most characteristic spot of the town.

The little church of Agios Ioannis Detis (Saint John) was built in the 17th century. It is located on the rocky coast of Monastiri, in the huge bay of Naoussa. This area offers a superb beach attracting many visitors for its great beauty.

Agios Konstantinos is a beautiful church located in the seaside of Parikia village and offering, except from it beautiful architecture, some amazing views over the bay.

The Archaeological Museum of Paros is located in the capital town, Parikia. It hosts findings from excavations on the island, mostly from the sanctuaries of Apollo and Asklepios. The most famous exhibit is the statue of Gorgo.

Housed in the Church of Ekatontapiliani, the Byzantine Museum of Parikia exhibits a collection of rare and valuable icons, various religious relics and other ecclesiastical items dating from the post-Byzantine period.

The sanctuaries of Asklepios and Apollo Pythios are located on a hill overlooking Parikia, the capital village of Paros. Today only a few remains can be seen in the area, but still, this is one of the few archaeological sites on the island.

The ancient cemetery of Paros is located close to the modern port of Parikia and it is one of the most important ancient cemeteries of Cyclades. Archaeological evidence shows that it was in use from the 8th century BC.

Pamegiston Taksiarxon is one of the most photogenic churches in the village of Parikia, charachterized by its blue dome and colourful flowers.

This valley is located near the Monastery of Jesus of the Woods. In hot months, butterflies go there to reproduce. Such a natural reserve is found only in two places in Greece, Paros and Rhodes.

The monastery of Longovarda is located 6 km away from Parikia and it was founded in 1638. This is the largest monastery of the island and it is famous for the attractive and interesting architecture. It also houses a library in which rare and valuable manuscripts are safely guarded and a bookmaking workshop. The icons and frescoes located inside the church are worth seeing.

In the fishing village of Naoussa, there is a wine and vine museum in an old building that was owned by winemaker Ioannis Boutaris.

The Byzantine Museum is housed in the church of Agios Athanasios, at the entrance of Naoussa. It has many Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, crosses, and nice ecclesiastical items.

Kimisis Theotokou is the main church of the village of Naoussa and can be see from the port.

The Sculpture Museum of Paros is found in Marpissa village and it is dedicated to the local artist, Nikos Perantinos. This museum also organizes sculpture courses in summer.

The Castle of Parikia was constructed in 1260 by the Venetians. Parts of ancient temples were used for its construction. Today, this is a picturesque quarter in Parikia.

The Quarries of Marathi worked from the first Cycladic times (3rd millennium BC) till recently. Visitors will see underground corridors and buildings of the 19th century. Many statues of the antiquity were made of Parian marble, which is considered of fine quality.

On a hill overlooking Kolimbithres, remains of an old Mycenaen town have been found. According to scientists, the Acropolis was built in the 13th century BC.

Agios Fokas is a photogenic church located in the bay of Parikia, from the other side of the village of Parikia.

The Byzantine Art Gallery of Marpissa is found close to the central square of the village and hosts mostly religious exhibits.

In the mountainous village of Lefkes, there stands the main church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity), built in 1830. This church is very beautiful and impressive. It has been constructed with the fine semi-transparent marble of Paros.

The Folklore Art Museum of Lefkes is exhibiting a collection of various everyday objects, utensils, embroideries, textiles, tools and more, showing the traditional life of the inhabitants of Paros in the past.

This special museum is situated in Aliki and houses crafts made by the artist Benetos Skiadas. It hosts a collection of a miniature collection of sailing boats, fishing boats and ships.

A few kilometers away from Parikia, there is the Monastery of Jesus of the Woods, built on top of a hill and offering a splendid view of the island of Antiparos. This convent was built in the 18th century and it is actually a nunnery.

In close distance from the small port of Naoussa, there is the church of Agios Antonios. Constructed in the traditional style, this church is the protector of all fishermen on Paros.